Is there a "one city" strategy?

[DrFell]

I remeber my first few games of Civ1, when I was just learning to play. It all seemed very complicated and many things (such as building roads) I never did. What I do now is to try and set goals for me to reach at each stage of the game, i.e. early on get huts and go for a government, go for trade so I can build wonders faster etc. Or if your at war go for army techs etc. If you know what tech your looking to get then you can just use the 'goals' option on the tech screen to see what you need to get it. Basically you need to know what goals to go for when - it's probably best for you to learn the game without the other AI civs as distractions first of all.

A good OCC game to try for starters is OCC comparison game 11 - no contact with other civs, so you must focus on bulding up your city. It does take bits out of the game, but its a simple start. Then you might want to try a game ICSing on a world map alone as the Americans (so your doing more things like exploring for huts dealing with barbs etc), or try some other OCC comparison games. This should get you used to setting goals and achieving them with different strategies, so you can move on to dealing with the AIs and fighting wars etc. Keep playing, it may be that Civ is not your kind of game, but I'm sure once you get over this initial learning period you'll realise why it's such a great game. Good luck.

[sboog]

Dr.Fell, I took a look at OCC #11. I even looked at the list of steps leading through the game. (I have not downloaded the game but I read all of this using the Paul OCC strat site and followed the links for game #11.)

However, I feel it is a bit overwhelming at this stage in my learning.

What you suggested that really sounded like it might be what I need, is when you mentioned setting short term goals and playing up to the goal. That is just what I think I have been looking for and needing. Now if I can just figure out those goals.

Thanks for this super idea! I may start a new thread about short term goals and short games.

Thanks again.

sboog

[Crustacian]

I disagree with the suggestion to go to the cheat menu in the event that the AI gets a bit "too frisky". It may contribute to a false sense of security. Instead simply start over and deal with them more effectively the next go.

[Rasputin]

i too tried the one city challenge per pauls printout, but found that i was missing lots of fundamnetla tihngs. I have played civ 2 for over 2 years now and stil lcant seme to get my civ to do what others do even following a damn start guide

[sboog]

Rasputin, what kind of start guide are you following?

I'd like to try a start guide.

sboog

[Ming]

Another great way to understand the game is to play a multiplayer game.
Sure, you will probably get slaughtered... but do a save every turn. After the blood has stopped flowing and the game is over, go back and take a look at the turn by turn saves and see what the other players are doing. Sure, it takes time... but it is a great way to see what works and what doesn't

[sboog]

Ming, I don't have the MP version. And even if I bought it now, I don't know where I'd find people to play with. I just checked the MSN Zone. There were 2 (TWO!) people playing Civ 2. There were over 3000 playing AoE:Thc Conquerors.

Question: Will MSN Zone host Civ 3???

sboog

[Ming]

You just probably caught the zone at a bad time... it's usually pretty easy to get a game there. And yes, I would be VERY surprised if they didn't cover CivIII.

Since you don't have MP... my suggestion won't help you. But it is a good way to see how the better players play the game. So certainly play OCC... it's a good way to learn.

Another thing you can do is get a game started... and save it. Then try playing the game more than one time using different strategies. This will allow you to concentrate on strategy and not be distracted by the thrill of discovery. It will help you see what works and what doesn't. Granted, your strategy should be tailored to the board position you are given... but you will see the differences on what does indeed work.

Keep on civin'

[Father Beast]

got a game for you

sboog, I have a game set up for you. chieftan, on earth, as the americans, with 2 other players. mongols and greeks. I was going to email the game to you, but I got a message saying this person doesn't wish to recieve emails through this board. if you post your email address in this thread, I can send it to you

[Scouse Gits]

FB - just attach the save to a post in this thread - then any and all can benefit ...

[Father Beast]

here's the game for sboog

ok gits, going to see if I can attach this

[sboog]

Thanks, Father Beast!

I just downloaded it and will try to get it inside my save game folder - and then PLAY it!

Will let you know.

sboog

[sboog]

I downloaded, put it in the Civ game folder, then copied it in the folder that contains some saved games.

But when I tried to play, selecting "Load a saved game" the message came: "File will not load. Not a saved game."

What happened?

sboog

[KrazyHorse]

Are you both playing the same version? It sounds like FB's using MGE and sboog's using 2.42.

[sboog]

Yes, I'm using 2.42

sboog